Post by Joanna on Oct 11, 2009 0:34:51 GMT -5
The Seven Forms
"Six there were for generations of Jedi. The seventh, is not well-known." ―Yoda
Each Jedi chose the style of lightsaber combat that best suited him or her. For example, Grand Master Yoda used the Ataru form to compensate for his lack of reach and height; Mace Windu used Vaapad to turn his inner darkness into a weapon of the light; Count Dooku's practice of the Makashi form fit first of all his intention to frequently engage in lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat, and second his emphasis on class and elegance as well as precision. Jedi learned elements of each form, though few ever mastered all of them.
Form I: Shii-Cho "Way of the Sarlacc" or "Determination Form"
Form I is the most basic of the seven forms and is learned by every Jedi Youngling. Shii-Cho includes the fundamental elements of all the lightsaber forms including the basic attack, parry, body target zones, and practice drills called velocities.
Form II: Makashi "Way of the Ysalamir" or "Contention Form"
Form II represents the ultimate refinement of lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat. Masters of Makashi develop unique offenses and defenses and train studiously against having their sabers taken or damaged.
Form III: Soresu "Way of the Mynock" or "Resilience Form"
Form III was first developed in response to the advancement of blaster technology in the galaxy. Soresu's emphasis on tight, efficient movements that expose very minimal target areas, make it the most defensive and passive of the seven forms.
Form IV: Ataru "Way of the Hawk-Bat" or "Aggression Form"
Form IV is the most acrobatic of all the forms and requires a Jedi to first master the Force Run, Jump, and Spin abilities. By incorporating all the Force powers that allow a Jedi to exceed standard norms of physical abilities, Jedi may resemble nothing less than a blur when using this style.
Form V: Shien / Djem So "Way of the Krayt Dragon" or "Perseverance Form"
Form V was also created in response to the advancement and frequency of blaster use in the galaxy. Unlike the strictly defensive style Soresu, Shien exploits the ability of a lightsaber to block blaster bolts and deflect them back at an opponent in a counter-attack maneuver. In a duel, the Djem So variation of this form, which focused on strength, would be used.
Form VI: Niman "Way of the Rancor" or "Moderation Form"
Form VI seeks to balance the emphases of forms I through V. Niman allows a Jedi to fight with harmony and justice without having to resort to powerful, aggressive movements or overt emotion.
Form VII: Juyo / Vaapad "Way of the Vornskr" or "Ferocity Form"
Juyo instead employs bold, direct movements, more open and kinetic than form V, but not so elaborate as the acrobatic form Ataru. Juyo requires greater energy and intensity out of the practitioner because his focus is wielded more broadly and draw upon from a deeper well of emotion; while the outward bearing of a Form VII practitioner is one of calm, the inner pressure verges on explosive. It was also considered to be the most dangerous in regard to falling to the Dark Side, because it required a certain amount of enjoyment in the fight from the person experiencing it.
The seven forms were not merely swordplay moves, they represented seven different kinds of philosophy. In addition, a lightsaber was not necessary to execute the seven forms: each form could be applied in unarmed combat. Jedi Masters Mace Windu, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Kit Fisto had demonstrated such talent during the Battle of Haruun Kal and the Bio-Droid Threat respectively.
~~
Other forms of lightsaber combat:
These forms were not considered a part of the seven main or "classic" forms. Some were systematized methods of lightsaber combat, while others were merely techniques or principles of combat applied to lightsaber combat. They were mostly based on other forms, with the exception of Form "Zero", which emphasized avoiding conflict whenever possible.
Sokan
A fighting method that focused tactical superiority; on using the terrain to one's advantage.
Jar'Kai
A fighting style that focused on dual-blade combat.
Lus-ma
Little is known of this style, though it is known that Grievous and his MagnaGuards received training in it from Dooku.
Form "Zero"
A Jedi doctrine of avoiding conflict unless absolutely necessary.
Dun Möch
A Sith technique of psychological warfare, utilizing taunts and telekinetic assaults to distract and demoralize opponents.
Telekinetic lightsaber combat
Wielding a lightsaber with the Force and attacking from a range.
Trispzest
A type of aerial dueling, essentially flying lightsaber combat.
Mounted lightsaber combat
Fighting from a mounted position, either on a beast of burden or a vehicle, usually of an open cockpit design.
Double-bladed lightsaber combat
A fighting style designed specifically for the use of Double-bladed lightsabers.
Lightwhip combat
A fighting style designed specifically for the use of Lightwhips.
Tràkata
A combat style that was designed to take advantage of a lightsaber's ability to be turned quickly activated and deactivated.
~~
The Unorthodox"Stop using the standard attacks, use the unorthodox!"
―Dooku to Grievous
General Grievous wielding four lightsabers. Several techniques fell outside the traditional and practiced forms of the Jedi. General Grievous could employ more varied movements. His attacks were intended to misdirect and confuse traditionally trained sword fighters. Grievous was exceptionally capable of this due to the flexibility of his joints, robotic reflexes, and his many limbs. Only the most experienced and talented Jedi could withstand his attacks. For example, Grievous could hold one lightsaber in each of his four hands, spinning two of them very rapidly in front of him as a shield. Grievous used this against Obi-Wan Kenobi on Utapau, though his capabilities may have been inhibited after injuries sustained on Coruscant from Mace Windu.
Another unique lightsaber style was that of Adi Gallia who held her saber with a one-handed reverse grip resulting in wide, long swings. This was a personal variation of Shien, much as Vaapad was Mace Windu's personal variation of Juyo. Anakin Skywalker's first Padawan Ahsoka Tano and later his secret apprentice Galen Marek also seemed to prefer this style.
Dark Jedi Boc's combat style was an unorthodox mixture of the dual saber based Niman & Jar'Kai and highly aggressive jumping attacks directed straight at his opponent. He used this against Kyle Katarn in a duel on Ruusan, but—with some help from his friend Jan Ors and the Force—Katarn was able to defeat Boc.
~~
The three styles of the New Jedi Order
Two Force-sensitives engaged in lightsaber combat.In addition to the above-mentioned forms, there were three pace-based styles, probably applicable to all of the conventional and less conventional forms, though each style was more compatible with some forms than with others.
Fast style
Medium style
Strong style
These three styles were taught to the students at Luke Skywalker's Jedi Praxeum around the time of the crises of Desann's Reborn and the Disciples of Ragnos. One member of the New Jedi Order who mastered all three styles was Kyle Katarn. Katarn lectured students Jaden Korr and Rosh Penin on them already at their first training session.
The three styles, along with most lightsaber combat skill taught in the New Jedi Order, were based on the principle of the Three Rings of Defense which were introduced very early on in the history of the Order by one of the first students, Kam Solusar.
(Information courtesy of Wookiepedia)
"Six there were for generations of Jedi. The seventh, is not well-known." ―Yoda
Each Jedi chose the style of lightsaber combat that best suited him or her. For example, Grand Master Yoda used the Ataru form to compensate for his lack of reach and height; Mace Windu used Vaapad to turn his inner darkness into a weapon of the light; Count Dooku's practice of the Makashi form fit first of all his intention to frequently engage in lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat, and second his emphasis on class and elegance as well as precision. Jedi learned elements of each form, though few ever mastered all of them.
Form I: Shii-Cho "Way of the Sarlacc" or "Determination Form"
Form I is the most basic of the seven forms and is learned by every Jedi Youngling. Shii-Cho includes the fundamental elements of all the lightsaber forms including the basic attack, parry, body target zones, and practice drills called velocities.
Form II: Makashi "Way of the Ysalamir" or "Contention Form"
Form II represents the ultimate refinement of lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat. Masters of Makashi develop unique offenses and defenses and train studiously against having their sabers taken or damaged.
Form III: Soresu "Way of the Mynock" or "Resilience Form"
Form III was first developed in response to the advancement of blaster technology in the galaxy. Soresu's emphasis on tight, efficient movements that expose very minimal target areas, make it the most defensive and passive of the seven forms.
Form IV: Ataru "Way of the Hawk-Bat" or "Aggression Form"
Form IV is the most acrobatic of all the forms and requires a Jedi to first master the Force Run, Jump, and Spin abilities. By incorporating all the Force powers that allow a Jedi to exceed standard norms of physical abilities, Jedi may resemble nothing less than a blur when using this style.
Form V: Shien / Djem So "Way of the Krayt Dragon" or "Perseverance Form"
Form V was also created in response to the advancement and frequency of blaster use in the galaxy. Unlike the strictly defensive style Soresu, Shien exploits the ability of a lightsaber to block blaster bolts and deflect them back at an opponent in a counter-attack maneuver. In a duel, the Djem So variation of this form, which focused on strength, would be used.
Form VI: Niman "Way of the Rancor" or "Moderation Form"
Form VI seeks to balance the emphases of forms I through V. Niman allows a Jedi to fight with harmony and justice without having to resort to powerful, aggressive movements or overt emotion.
Form VII: Juyo / Vaapad "Way of the Vornskr" or "Ferocity Form"
Juyo instead employs bold, direct movements, more open and kinetic than form V, but not so elaborate as the acrobatic form Ataru. Juyo requires greater energy and intensity out of the practitioner because his focus is wielded more broadly and draw upon from a deeper well of emotion; while the outward bearing of a Form VII practitioner is one of calm, the inner pressure verges on explosive. It was also considered to be the most dangerous in regard to falling to the Dark Side, because it required a certain amount of enjoyment in the fight from the person experiencing it.
The seven forms were not merely swordplay moves, they represented seven different kinds of philosophy. In addition, a lightsaber was not necessary to execute the seven forms: each form could be applied in unarmed combat. Jedi Masters Mace Windu, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Kit Fisto had demonstrated such talent during the Battle of Haruun Kal and the Bio-Droid Threat respectively.
~~
Other forms of lightsaber combat:
These forms were not considered a part of the seven main or "classic" forms. Some were systematized methods of lightsaber combat, while others were merely techniques or principles of combat applied to lightsaber combat. They were mostly based on other forms, with the exception of Form "Zero", which emphasized avoiding conflict whenever possible.
Sokan
A fighting method that focused tactical superiority; on using the terrain to one's advantage.
Jar'Kai
A fighting style that focused on dual-blade combat.
Lus-ma
Little is known of this style, though it is known that Grievous and his MagnaGuards received training in it from Dooku.
Form "Zero"
A Jedi doctrine of avoiding conflict unless absolutely necessary.
Dun Möch
A Sith technique of psychological warfare, utilizing taunts and telekinetic assaults to distract and demoralize opponents.
Telekinetic lightsaber combat
Wielding a lightsaber with the Force and attacking from a range.
Trispzest
A type of aerial dueling, essentially flying lightsaber combat.
Mounted lightsaber combat
Fighting from a mounted position, either on a beast of burden or a vehicle, usually of an open cockpit design.
Double-bladed lightsaber combat
A fighting style designed specifically for the use of Double-bladed lightsabers.
Lightwhip combat
A fighting style designed specifically for the use of Lightwhips.
Tràkata
A combat style that was designed to take advantage of a lightsaber's ability to be turned quickly activated and deactivated.
~~
The Unorthodox"Stop using the standard attacks, use the unorthodox!"
―Dooku to Grievous
General Grievous wielding four lightsabers. Several techniques fell outside the traditional and practiced forms of the Jedi. General Grievous could employ more varied movements. His attacks were intended to misdirect and confuse traditionally trained sword fighters. Grievous was exceptionally capable of this due to the flexibility of his joints, robotic reflexes, and his many limbs. Only the most experienced and talented Jedi could withstand his attacks. For example, Grievous could hold one lightsaber in each of his four hands, spinning two of them very rapidly in front of him as a shield. Grievous used this against Obi-Wan Kenobi on Utapau, though his capabilities may have been inhibited after injuries sustained on Coruscant from Mace Windu.
Another unique lightsaber style was that of Adi Gallia who held her saber with a one-handed reverse grip resulting in wide, long swings. This was a personal variation of Shien, much as Vaapad was Mace Windu's personal variation of Juyo. Anakin Skywalker's first Padawan Ahsoka Tano and later his secret apprentice Galen Marek also seemed to prefer this style.
Dark Jedi Boc's combat style was an unorthodox mixture of the dual saber based Niman & Jar'Kai and highly aggressive jumping attacks directed straight at his opponent. He used this against Kyle Katarn in a duel on Ruusan, but—with some help from his friend Jan Ors and the Force—Katarn was able to defeat Boc.
~~
The three styles of the New Jedi Order
Two Force-sensitives engaged in lightsaber combat.In addition to the above-mentioned forms, there were three pace-based styles, probably applicable to all of the conventional and less conventional forms, though each style was more compatible with some forms than with others.
Fast style
Medium style
Strong style
These three styles were taught to the students at Luke Skywalker's Jedi Praxeum around the time of the crises of Desann's Reborn and the Disciples of Ragnos. One member of the New Jedi Order who mastered all three styles was Kyle Katarn. Katarn lectured students Jaden Korr and Rosh Penin on them already at their first training session.
The three styles, along with most lightsaber combat skill taught in the New Jedi Order, were based on the principle of the Three Rings of Defense which were introduced very early on in the history of the Order by one of the first students, Kam Solusar.
(Information courtesy of Wookiepedia)